Fine-based revenue model under TraffiTech-GH could influence enforcement fairness – Bright Simons

Policy analyst Bright Simons has raised concerns about the revenue-sharing arrangement under Ghana’s automated traffic enforcement system, TraffiTech-GH, warning that making a private operator’s earnings dependent on traffic fines could create incentives that undermine fairness in enforcement.

He argues that although public-private partnerships (PPPs) can improve public service delivery, the structure of the TraffiTech-GH arrangement requires careful scrutiny because the private operator earns a share of revenue generated from penalties imposed on motorists.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 7, Mr Simons said the private sector naturally pursues commercial interests, making it necessary for government to establish safeguards that protect the public interest.

He stressed that he had no objection to public-private partnerships but said the financial arrangements must be designed to prevent private profit motives from conflicting with public objectives.

“It’s a public-private partnership, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with public-private partnerships. In fact, we have a whole law on it. We have a whole range of policies on public-private partnerships, precisely because there are times when the private sector have capacities that the government or the public sector can tap into for the benefit of all of us,” he said.

“The problem, though, is that the private sector don’t go into these things with public interest in their mind. They go in to make money. So you always have to balance the public interest and the private profit motive extremely delicately. If you don’t, you get into trouble,” he added.

Mr Simons identified the revenue-sharing structure as a particular area of concern, explaining that Nationwide Traffic Management and Enforcement Limited (NTMEL), the private partner operating the system, is entitled to 40 per cent of revenue generated, while the government receives the remaining 60 per cent.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s 2024 Annual Report on Public-Private Partnership Projects, the arrangement provides for a 40 per cent share to the private partner and 60 per cent to the government over the project’s 11-year concession period. The project has an estimated investment cost of GH¢77.73 million.

Mr Simons questioned whether generating revenue from fines was the appropriate basis for compensating the private operator, given the possible implications for enforcement practices.

“Our concern is whether or not the revenue should come from fines, and what that incentive to get more revenue from fines means for the fairness of implementation,” he said.

He also identified Swedish technology company Sensys Gatso Group as the entity responsible for providing and controlling the technology that drives the system. He noted that the company had worked with the local project promoter, Franco Osei, for several years before the arrangement was established.

Concerns over enforcement incentives

Mr Simons’ concern centres on the potential conflict between the commercial interests of the private operator and the objective of ensuring road safety.

Under the arrangement, an increase in revenue from traffic fines could translate into higher earnings for the private partner. This, he suggested, raises questions about how the system will ensure that enforcement decisions are guided strictly by road safety considerations and not revenue generation.

The concern is particularly relevant to the fairness of automated enforcement, including how violations are identified, verified and penalties imposed on motorists.

TraffiTech-GH uses cameras, sensors and other technology to identify traffic violations, including speeding and running red lights. The Ghana Police Service has said captured footage will be reviewed by personnel before electronic notices are issued, while motorists who dispute violations can challenge them in court.

The programme commenced live citation capture on November 1, 2026, following an extension of the public education period.

The government’s stated objectives include improving compliance with road traffic regulations, reducing road crashes and improving road safety.

However, Mr Simons believes the revenue-sharing model deserves further public scrutiny to ensure that the financial returns expected by the private partner do not undermine the fairness and credibility of the enforcement system.

His comments have renewed attention on the financial structure of TraffiTech-GH and the need to balance private sector participation with accountability in the use of technology to enforce road traffic laws.